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Mesa County Fair prepares for big week

The Mesa County Fair celebrates 126 years of community pride this week at the Mesa County Fairgrounds.

The county fair will have many new features and attractions for people to enjoy this year, including a vibrant music scene, said Jo Haxel, fairgrounds manager.

“There will be a bigger stage and bigger bands. What’s really cool about the music, is that it’s free with general admission,” Haxel said. Tickets are $6 for adults, $4 seniors and $1 for children.

Each night will feature a new theme on the center stage, including “Bluegrass Music Night,” “Rock-N-Reggae” and “Country Music Night.” Most of the acts are regional and local, but a couple artists have made a name nationally.

Collin Raye, who will perform on Wednesday night, is a well-known country singer. He made his debut in 1991, and has several hits that have reached the Top Ten charts such as “Love, Me,” and “One Boy, One Girl.” Raye will perform at 7 p.m. on the main stage.

Also new this year, The Wolves of the World animal exhibit is free with general admission and the show takes place three times each day. It showcases rescued wolves that couldn’t be turned back into the wild and offers spectators an educational experience, Haxel said.

“We’re the cheapest entertainment around. Even if you’re not into cows or carnivals, there’s tons of exhibits great for an evening with family,” Haxel said.

She also mentioned that the Demolition Derby now has a powderpuff division, but it is unclear how many entries there would be by Saturday night. She also suggested the fair’s carnival is the best around.

“We’re proud of the quality of the people and the rides. There’s some that will thrill you a bit,” Haxel said.

Haxel said everyone will get their money’s worth this year. “One thing that’s important to me is that people come to the fair and get more than they expected, and I think that they will,” Haxel said.